For many couples, choosing the right engagement ring and wedding rings is one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding.

Your rings symbolize your union and commitment to each other, so it's understandable to want something truly spectacular.

If you're looking for the ultimate in Diamond quality, VVS diamonds are an excellent option to consider.

What Are VVS Diamonds?

VVS stands for "very, very slightly included." This is a diamond clarity grading that indicates only minute flaws in the stone that are incredibly hard to see under 10x magnification.

Diamonds with this rating are a step above VVS1 and VVS2 grades, and just below the highest possible grading of IF, or internally flawless.

VVS diamonds contain such tiny imperfections that even trained gemologists have trouble spotting them. In most cases, the flaws are microscopic crystals, feathers, or slight irregularities in the stone. To the naked eye, a VVS diamond will look perfect and completely pure. This amazing diamond clarity is part of what makes them so prized.

The Benefits of VVS Diamond Engagement Rings

Opting for VVS for an engagement ring offers several advantages:

-Outstanding brilliance and fire: With very few imperfections, VVS diamonds refract light exceptionally well. This gives them unparalleled sparkle and shine.

-Near perfection to the eye: Flaws in a VVS diamond are so minuscule that it will look flawless face-up. This gives all the beauty of an IF diamond for less cost.

-Excellent value over IF: VVS diamonds cost substantially less than IF stones but still offer breathtaking beauty. This makes them a great way to maximize your budget.

-Peace of mind: Knowing your diamond is nearly perfect can give you confidence and peace of mind that you've chosen an exquisite center stone.

-Excellent resale value: The high clarity means VVS diamonds hold value exceptionally well should you ever want to sell.

Ultimately, VVS offers an enticing balance of quality and cost that makes it ideal for many brides and grooms. While not the most expensive grade available, it still carries prestige and will be noticeable to the trained eye.

Potential Downsides of VVS Diamonds

No diamond is perfect, and VVS grades aren't right for everyone.

Here are a few potential downsides:

-Significant expense: VVS diamonds still fall into the high-quality and high-cost category, out of reach for some budgets.

-Overkill for a solitaire: If you're selecting a simple solitaire ring, VVS may be unnecessary. VS or SI grades can also look stunning to the naked eye.

-Not easy to find: Local jewelers may have limited VVS inventory compared to more common grades.

-Easiest flaws to detect in large-carat diamonds: In diamonds over 1 carat, very minor flaws become more obvious. An IF could potentially be a better choice for large stones.

-Ideal optics are also important: Clarity is just one factor. Excellent cut and symmetry greatly impact sparkle. Don't assume VVS means the diamond is perfectly cut.

As you can see, context matters when deciding if paying a premium for VVS clarity is worth it or overkill.

What Does Flawless Mean?

In the diamond industry, flawless or internally flawless (IF) is the highest clarity grade possible. This means that even under 10x magnification, trained professionals cannot detect any blemishes or inclusions in the stone, both internally and externally.

Some experts argue that truly flawless diamonds represent an impossible ideal that doesn't actually exist in nature. They believe the closest to perfect is likely the VVS grading.

This debate stems from the fact that all diamonds contain incredibly minute atomic flaws. Even with state-of-the-art imaging technology, gemologists cannot find a natural diamond devoid of any imperfections.

Diamonds themselves are formed through immense heat and pressure deep below the earth's surface. This volatile process will inherently create irregularities on an atomic scale.

Some argue that IF as a standard doesn't fully encompass true flawlessness. Others believe it simply indicates human limitations in detecting the tiniest flaws.

In practical terms for consumers, IF signifies the ultimate in perceived perfection and sparkle potential. VVS diamond rings offer the same dazzle without quite as lofty a price tag.

What VVS Diamonds Cost

As you may expect, VVS diamonds command a premium price over lower diamond clarity grades while coming in below the cost of "flawless" diamonds. Exact prices can vary based on the 4Cs of carat, cut, color, and clarity.

Here are some ballpark price ranges you can expect from VVS diamonds:

• 0.50 carat round: $2,000 - $2,700

• 1 carat round: $5,300 - $7,500

• 2 carat round: $15,000 - $23,000

• 3 carat round: $37,000 - $57,000

In the Houston, Texas, area, you'll typically find VVS diamond prices comparable to these ranges when you're shopping for engagement rings.

Online retailers can offer VVS diamonds for 5-15% less in some cases.

Keep in mind that factors like designer settings, precious metal types, diamond origin, and accompanying certifications will also impact the final ring cost.

Stunning Alternatives to VVS Diamonds

Not ready to splurge for VVS diamonds? You can pick from a wealth of gorgeous alternatives that can still really wow. Here are some diamond clarity scale grades to consider:

VS Diamonds: VS1 and VS2 diamonds have minor inclusions that will be faintly or barely visible even under 10x magnification. These flaws won't be detectable to the naked eye. Well-cut VS diamonds offer tremendous sparkle at an affordable price point for most buyers.

SI Diamonds: SI grades range from SI1 to SI3, with inclusions more easily visible under magnification. Yet when set in a ring and viewed normally, the small inclusions will blend away. With careful inspection, you can find eye-clean SI diamonds offering serious bang for your buck.

VVS2 Diamonds: If you like the idea of a VVS diamond but want to curtail costs, VVS2 offers slightly more visible inclusions than VVS1. However, it still provides exceptional brilliance for high-quality engagement rings or anniversary bands.

Differences between VVS1 and VVS2 are only apparent under close inspection.

When navigating lower clarity grades, cut quality becomes paramount. A stone with ideal proportions and symmetry can minimize the appearance of flaws and maximize light return. Work with an expert gemologist to cherry-pick eye-clean diamonds with excellent optics.

What’s most important is that you feel comfortable with your purchase. Compare diamonds in various clarity grades and determine which seem eye-clean to you when viewed in a ring setting.

An informed jeweler can guide you as you search for a choice that fits your budget and your aesthetic preferences.

Beyond Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds aren't the only sparkling stones out there for engagement rings.

Man-made diamonds are an exciting alternative, offering the same optical and chemical qualities as their mined counterparts. The difference lies in their origin within a lab, which allows for more control over attributes like color and clarity.

With man-made diamonds, you can essentially design the diamond you want. VVS level clarity and colorlessness are standard, along with ideal cut proportions. This gives you breathtaking brilliance and scintillation without naturally occurring imperfections.

And lab diamonds come at a fraction of the price of natural VVS diamonds.

Moissanite and white sapphires are two other diamond lookalikes gaining popularity for engagement rings. Thanks to tremendous advances in cutting techniques, they now rival diamonds in their light performance. If the tradition of having a diamond isn't a priority, these affordable gems give you extra leeway in your ring budget.

The Takeaway

Finding your perfect diamond comes down to personal preference based on your style, priorities, and budget.

For those seeking the ultimate in prestige and quality, VVS diamonds are a dream choice. Their staggering beauty and miniscule flaws make them a fantastic investment.

Keep an open mind as you explore all the possibilities in today's diamond market. Comparison shop and focus on finding a stone you connect with visually.

The journey of selecting a diamond and engagement ring should be a joyful process. With a little education on your options, you’re sure to find your perfect sparkler.

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Our venue is known for its beautiful garden setting and Old World charm.

Learn about holding a wedding here.